Insight You Need For Your Next Car Purchase
Key Takeaways
- The decision to lease or buy a car depends on how you plan to use the vehicle and how much flexibility you’re looking for.
- If you plan to keep the car for an extended period, financing can be more cost-effective over time.
- To qualify as a business deduction, you must use the car at least 50% for business purposes.
If you’re in the market for a new or new-to-you car, there is more to consider than heated seats and extra third-row space. With the average price of a new car hovering around $50,000, and financing options becoming more complex, it’s important to approach this purchase knowing how it fits in your broader financial plan.
Whether you’re replacing a personal vehicle or making a business investment, taking a strategic approach helps you avoid costly mistakes and make decisions that deliver value now and in the future.
Why Car Buying Is More Complicated (and Expensive) Than Ever
Since 2020, the average price of a new vehicle has increased by 22%, driven by supply chain disruptions, increased demand, and the integration of advanced technology. Today, the unknown of how tariffs will affect car prices is making some consumers wonder if now is the right time to purchase a car. At the same time, while modern vehicles are built to last an average of 12 years, most owners trade in their car after only five, often before fully realizing the value of their investment.
“In this environment, making a smart vehicle purchase isn’t just about price,” says CWA Partner and CPA Hunter Satterfield. “It’s about aligning your decision with your lifestyle, financial goals, and the possible tax implications.”
Is it Better to Lease or Buy Right Now?
The decision to lease or buy a car depends on how you plan to use the vehicle and what kind of flexibility or ownership you’re looking for. Do you prefer lower monthly payments and minimal maintenance? Leasing is ideal in that situation if you plan to drive the vehicle for fewer than four years and can stay within the mileage limits.
If you plan to keep the car for an extended period, financing can be more cost-effective over time. Your interest rate may be lower if you can finance for 48 months. Hunter recommends keeping the loan term to 60 months or less.
“Financing for 60 months or less is ideal because it aligns with the depreciation schedule and factory warranty. It also reduces the risk of being underwater on the loan,” says Hunter.
Many buyers are stretching their loans to six or seven years due to high interest rates. Hunter cautions, “if you’re only able to afford the car by financing it longer than 60 months, you’re buying too much car.”
Financing vs. Paying Cash: Which Is Right for You?
Deciding between financing and paying cash isn’t always straightforward.
“The decision really comes down to how this purchase fits into your bigger financial picture,” says Hunter. “If you’re already maxing out your retirement contributions and have an emergency fund, paying cash could be smart. But if you’re looking at low-interest financing and want to keep cash on hand, financing may offer more flexibility.”
Consider these questions when trying to decide:
- Do you have a trade-in? A trade-in can reduce the overall purchase price, making it easier to pay cash.
- What’s the interest rate on financing? If it’s lower than what you earn on savings (typically 4–5%), financing may make sense.
- Are there dealer incentives for financing? If so, consider them. Then pay off the loan early if there’s no prepayment penalty.
- Are you buying a new car assembled in the U.S.? Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, you may be able to take a tax deduction up to $10,000 per year in interest on your auto loan if your modified adjusted gross income is under $100,000 ($200,000 for joint filers). The vehicle must be new, for personal use, and assembled in the U.S. to qualify.
Want additional guidance on if you can take advantage of the no tax on car loan interest provision? Watch as Hunter and CWA Partner and CPA Brian Bortz rapid fire essential questions on the Accumulating Wealth Podcast.
Tax Tips for Business Owners Buying a Vehicle
Business owners may be eligible for tax breaks when buying a vehicle, but the benefits depend on how the deal is structured. Understanding the IRS rules can help you maximize your deductions.
Key considerations include:
- To qualify as a business deduction, you must use the car at least 50% for business purposes.
- Section 179 allows for an immediate deduction of the full purchase price of qualifying vehicles over 6,000 pounds, but don’t buy a heavy vehicle just for the tax break. Lighter vehicles still qualify for depreciation over time.
- The deduction applies whether the car is leased, financed, new or used. If you lease, you can deduct the business-use portion of the monthly payment. If you buy, you can depreciate the vehicle like other business equipment.
- Be cautious about selling the vehicle too soon. If you depreciate the vehicle quickly and sell it early, you may owe tax on the gain through depreciation recapture. For example, if you buy a truck for $100,000 and deduct the full amount in year one and sell it three years later for $70,000, that $70K may be treated as taxable income.
What This Means for Other Big Purchases
The framework used for evaluating vehicle purchases also applies to other large business expenses such as equipment, technology, or office furniture.
Lease: Deduct payments as you make them
Buy: Depreciate over time or use Section 179 for an accelerated deduction
Financing vs. cash: This decision doesn’t affect tax treatment, but it can affect your cash flow and interest costs
Need help deciding how to structure a major purchase? Our financial planners can help. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.
